6 greatest ‘Last Dances’ in NFL history

The NFL has written countless memorable chapters in the story of professional football. Some are heartbreaking, others thrilling, but all capture what has made the league the king of American sports. On Wednesday, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers told reporters that this will be his final NFL season.

When asked whether this season would be his “final ride” or “last dance,” Rodgers left no room for doubt. “This is it,” Rodgers said.

Head coach Mike McCarthy played an instrumental role in bringing Rodgers back. Rodgers nearly retired after Mike Tomlin stepped away in Pittsburgh, but now he has an opportunity to craft a potentially sweeter ending to his 22-year career.

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The NFL has seen plenty of “final rides” and “last dance” stories throughout its history. Few players get the chance to leave the game on their own terms, and those who do often walk away with storybook endings. Here are some of the greatest last dances in NFL history:

Jerome Bettis — 2005

Jerome Bettis had already cemented his legacy with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but after the team fell short of the Super Bowl in 2004, retirement seemed inevitable. Rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger convinced Bettis to return, promising to help deliver a Super Bowl championship in 2005.

Super Bowl XL was set to take place in Bettis’ hometown of Detroit. “The Bus” had one final stop before retirement. Throughout the playoff run, Roethlisberger handed Bettis four game balls as the Steelers moved one step closer to the Super Bowl.

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After defeating the Seattle Seahawks, Bettis stood before the Ford Field crowd and declared, “The bus stops here,” bringing his storybook career to an end in his hometown.

Peyton Manning — 2015

Peyton Manning entered the 2015 season two years removed from one of the greatest offensive seasons in NFL history and four years removed from career-threatening neck surgery. By then, his physical abilities had begun to decline rapidly.

At one point during the season, the Denver Broncos benched Manning. However, he returned in time to lead a playoff run that culminated in a victory in Super Bowl 50. Manning and the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers, allowing him to retire as a champion in his final NFL season.

John Elway — 1998-1999

John Elway captured his only Super Bowl titles during the final two seasons of his career. Those back-to-back championship runs became the defining achievement of his Hall of Fame legacy.

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After the Denver Broncos defeated the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII, chants of “This one’s for John” echoed throughout the stadium. Following another championship in Super Bowl XXXIII, Elway hoisted his final Lombardi Trophy before riding off into the sunset.

Tom Brady — 2020-2022

Although Tom Brady didn’t end his career with the same dramatic finish as some others on this list, his final chapter remained remarkably successful. In his first season away from the New England Patriots, Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title and secured his seventh championship ring.

Brady not only proved he could win without New England and Bill Belichick, but also strengthened his case as the greatest player in NFL history. Even after retiring, many believed he still had more football left in him. Instead, Brady walked away entirely on his own terms.

Charles Haley — 1995

Before Brady set the modern standard for Super Bowl success, Charles Haley established one of the league’s original championship dynasties. Haley starred for two separate dynasties and, until 2016, held the record for the most Super Bowl rings won by a single player.

Entering the 1995 season, Haley chased “one for the thumb.” He recorded 10.5 sacks and helped the Dallas Cowboys complete their 1990s dynasty with another Super Bowl title.

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Haley retired afterward because of a back injury and to care for his daughter. Although he later returned for two more seasons, his final championship run in Dallas remains the defining closing act of his career.

Ray Lewis — 2012

Widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, Ray Lewis entered the 2012 season knowing it would be his final ride. The 17-year veteran had long served as the heart and soul of the Baltimore Ravens defense.

Despite missing time with a torn triceps, Lewis returned for one final postseason run. Behind an unforgettable playoff performance from quarterback Joe Flacco, the Ravens surged to a Super Bowl championship.

Lewis closed his career in New Orleans by hoisting the Lombardi Trophy for the second time, ending one of the most decorated careers in NFL history.